Airbag - Side

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a side curtain airbag or side torso airbag module in the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module (specify side curtain or torso airbag) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Rivian part number specific to airbag location
• Airbag connector retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (replacement set) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure ignition is OFF and key fob is at least 15 feet away from vehicle
3. Open rear doors or cargo area to access 12V battery location in Rivian EDV 500
4. Disconnect negative (-) terminal of 12V battery, then disconnect positive (+) terminal
5. Wait minimum 3 minutes to allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Photograph all connector orientations and trim panel positions before disassembly
7. Identify which side airbag requires replacement (driver side, passenger side, curtain vs. torso)
8. Ensure replacement airbag module is new OEM part with correct part number for vehicle and location
9. Review Rivian service bulletins for any updated procedures specific to EDV 500 airbag systems

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim panel (for side curtain airbag)
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry the A-pillar trim panel starting from the bottom. Work upward releasing the retaining clips. The panel may also have Torx fasteners at the top near the headliner - remove these first if present. Disconnect any electrical connectors for speakers or ambient lighting if equipped. Set panel aside in safe location.
2. 2

   Remove B-pillar trim panel
   Remove the B-pillar upper and lower trim panels. Start by removing seat belt anchor cover if applicable. Locate and remove all Torx fasteners (typically T25 or T30). Carefully pull trim panel away from pillar to release clips. For EDV cargo configuration, this may include removing cargo area side panel sections. Disconnect any electrical connectors.
3. 3

   Remove C-pillar trim and headliner edge (if accessing side curtain airbag)
   If replacing side curtain airbag, carefully pull down the headliner edge along the affected side to expose the airbag mounting area. Remove C-pillar trim panel using trim tools. Work slowly to avoid damaging clips. The side curtain airbag typically extends from A-pillar to C-pillar along the roof rail.
4. 4

   Locate and access airbag module connector
   Identify the airbag module electrical connector. For side curtain airbags, this is typically located near the B-pillar behind the trim. For seat-mounted torso airbags, access may require partial seat disassembly. The connector will have a bright yellow or orange safety locking mechanism.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Wearing insulated gloves, carefully release the connector locking tab (typically a slide lock or rotating mechanism). Do not pull on wires. Disconnect the airbag connector from the vehicle harness. Verify no damage to connector pins. Cover the vehicle harness connector with tape to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate all airbag module mounting bolts or nuts. Side curtain airbags typically have 3-5 mounting brackets along the roof rail secured with Torx or hex bolts. Seat-mounted side airbags have mounting bolts accessible through the seat frame. Carefully support the airbag module while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove airbag module from vehicle
   Carefully extract the airbag module from its mounting location. For side curtain airbags, feed the module and its attached bracket through the roof rail channel. For seat-mounted airbags, withdraw from the seat side panel cavity. Handle only by the rigid mounting brackets, never by the airbag cushion itself. Inspect mounting area for damage.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and wiring
   Examine all mounting brackets, clips, and threaded inserts for damage or corrosion. Inspect the vehicle wiring harness connector for bent pins, corrosion, or damage. Check that no trim clips or fasteners have fallen into inaccessible areas. Clean mounting surfaces if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging only when ready to install. Verify part number matches requirements. Position new airbag module in mounting location, ensuring deployment surface faces correct direction (toward occupant area, never toward structure). For side curtain airbags, ensure even deployment path is not obstructed by trim or wiring.
10. 10

    Install and torque mounting fasteners
    Install all airbag module mounting bolts or nuts. Start all fasteners by hand before tightening. Tighten fasteners in sequence if multiple mounting points exist, working from center outward. Since no torque specifications are provided in the database, follow torque values specified on the airbag module label or Rivian service documentation. Do not overtighten, as this can damage mounting brackets.
11. 11

    Connect airbag electrical connector
    Remove protective tape from vehicle harness connector. Inspect both connector halves for cleanliness. Align airbag module connector with vehicle harness connector and push together firmly until an audible click is heard. Ensure locking mechanism fully engages. Gently tug on connector (not wires) to verify secure connection.
12. 12

    Route wiring and verify clearances
    Ensure airbag wiring is properly routed and secured with original clips or ties. Verify no wires are pinched, kinked, or in contact with sharp edges. For side curtain airbags, confirm wiring does not interfere with deployment path. Check that airbag module has proper clearance from all trim panels and structural components.
13. 13

    Reinstall trim panels
    Reinstall all trim panels in reverse order of removal. Replace any damaged clips. Ensure all electrical connections for speakers, lighting, or other accessories are reconnected. Verify proper panel fit and alignment. Install all Torx fasteners and tighten securely. For headliner edges, ensure proper engagement with retaining channel.
14. 14

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Reconnect positive (+) terminal of 12V battery first, then negative (-) terminal. Ensure connections are clean and tight. Do not turn on ignition yet.
15. 15

    Clear airbag codes and perform system verification
    Connect Rivian diagnostic scan tool to OBD-II port. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start). Clear all airbag system fault codes. Follow Rivian-specific procedures to recalibrate airbag system and verify proper communication with replaced module. Verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly during startup then extinguishes, indicating system is operational. Document all diagnostic results.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are properly secured and aligned with no gaps or rattles
2. Ensure all electrical connectors for accessories are reconnected and functioning
3. Test all seat adjustments and seat belt functions if seat-mounted airbag was replaced
4. Confirm no tools or parts were left in vehicle interior or pillar cavities
5. Verify airbag warning light behavior matches normal operation per owner's manual

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates for 3-6 seconds then extinguishes
• Using diagnostic scan tool, verify no active or pending airbag system fault codes are present
• Confirm airbag system communication with all modules is normal
• Perform visual inspection of all reinstalled trim panels for proper fit and finish
• Test drive vehicle on smooth road and verify no rattles or abnormal sounds from affected area
• Document date of airbag replacement and part numbers in vehicle service records
• If airbag warning light remains illuminated or codes persist, do not operate vehicle and seek professional Rivian service immediately

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